Never bench your studs, they say (1 Viewer)

[LordHusker]

As I grudgingly bench Edge this week and start Julius Jones and Tatum Bell, it suddenly occurs to me: I'm benching the first pick I made in a 14-team draft. I'm benching a "stud." First-rounders are studs, right?

 

[Cowboys#1]

rudi johnson and tiki barber are also must starts every week.

 

[cliffhuxtible]

It depends on your scoring system. For instance, I play in TD only leagues. I have learned through the years that there are probably more reasons to start a guy like Edge no matter what than take a flier on a better matchup. However, if yards were a big part of my league's scoring, I probably would bench James this week.

No matter how down people get about Arizona's rushing game/ offensive line, it seems to me he's a solid TD threat this year. If the first game is any indication, 1st and 2nd down near the goal line will go to Edge.

That has to be worth a TD every two weeks.

However, I'll be surprised if he breaks 100 yards more than twice this year.

 

[mojorizin]

Edge and that Arizona team looked good enough to start putting my fears at rest a little. He could be one helluva steal from the bottom of the first round.

 

[bostonfred]

I didn't avoid Edge because I was afraid of how he'd look against the 49ers.

 

[Woz]

I think Steven Jackson and Ronnie Brown are must-starts as well as they each produced this weekend despite facing top notch run defenses. It's pretty clear that each is the focal point of his offense - particularly Brown. Also, both showed a great ability to break tackles and finish off runs.

 

[twistd]

As I grudgingly bench Edge this week and start Julius Jones and Tatum Bell, it suddenly occurs to me: I'm benching the first pick I made in a 14-team draft. I'm benching a "stud." First-rounders are studs, right?

I will be benching Lamont Jordan for the foreseeable future. At least until he shows something. He was my first rounder, but week one was pitiful.

 

[wraith5]

As I grudgingly bench Edge this week and start Julius Jones and Tatum Bell, it suddenly occurs to me: I'm benching the first pick I made in a 14-team draft. I'm benching a "stud." First-rounders are studs, right?

I will be benching Lamont Jordan for the foreseeable future. At least until he shows something. He was my first rounder, but week one was pitiful.

I'm in the same boat. And by "show me something," I mean just about anything!!Add in the fact that my second round pick was Steve Smith, and I'm in a bit of a hole currently...

 

[twistd]

As I grudgingly bench Edge this week and start Julius Jones and Tatum Bell, it suddenly occurs to me: I'm benching the first pick I made in a 14-team draft. I'm benching a "stud." First-rounders are studs, right?

I will be benching Lamont Jordan for the foreseeable future. At least until he shows something. He was my first rounder, but week one was pitiful.

I'm in the same boat. And by "show me something," I mean just about anything!!Add in the fact that my second round pick was Steve Smith, and I'm in a bit of a hole currently...

I feel your pain. I have one team with Smith and TJ Housh. I had to start Bobby Engram and Mark Clayton in week one, and I won. My three and four are Branch and Edwards. IT should be a solid receiving corp as the season progresses, but now it is tough.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Edge is not a sexy play by an means, but he should be started none the less.

I have posted something similiar to this before. Edge is probably going to have the same type of year Jordan had last year. He is not going to have those big weeks that he had in Indy but he will be servicable and should be started weekly. Also, just like Jordan last year he will have a lower YPC but he will make up for it with catches and he will get TD's.

Positives: the guy touched the ball 29 times in his first ever game with his new team. He is for sure the teams goaline back. Also, Arizona will be able to move the ball on offense even with a sub par rushing attack becuse of their ability to throw the ball. This will enable Edge to get red zone touches and score fantasy points. Arizona is going to use this guy a ton and he will be in the 1300-1600 yards combined range with close to double digit TD's. Arizona also has a coach who wants to run the ball and brought James in who is a proven guy to get touches. They have a veteran QB in Warner who will use James in the passing game. James caught 3 passes in his first game which puts him on pace for 48 and I am sure he will finish above 50.

Negatives: The o-line is terrible which will definitely hurt his YPC but he should be able to make up for it with plenty of touches on the ground and through the air.

To many people are down on James who did have a low ypc but he had 90 yards and a TD in his first ever game with his new team. Although not a sexy play, James should be in line ups.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Edge is not a sexy play by an means, but he should be started none the less.

I have posted something similiar to this before. Edge is probably going to have the same type of year Jordan had last year. He is not going to have those big weeks that he had in Indy but he will be servicable and should be started weekly. Also, just like Jordan last year he will have a lower YPC but he will make up for it with catches and he will get TD's.

Positives: the guy touched the ball 29 times in his first ever game with his new team. He is for sure the teams goaline back. Also, Arizona will be able to move the ball on offense even with a sub par rushing attack becuse of their ability to throw the ball. This will enable Edge to get red zone touches and score fantasy points. Arizona is going to use this guy a ton and he will be in the 1300-1600 yards combined range with close to double digit TD's. Arizona also has a coach who wants to run the ball and brought James in who is a proven guy to get touches. They have a veteran QB in Warner who will use James in the passing game. James caught 3 passes in his first game which puts him on pace for 48 and I am sure he will finish above 50.

Negatives: The o-line is terrible which will definitely hurt his YPC but he should be able to make up for it with plenty of touches on the ground and through the air.

To many people are down on James who did have a low ypc but he had 90 yards and a TD in his first ever game with his new team. Although not a sexy play, James should be in line ups.

Playing against San Fran and against Seattle are two different things. One of the reasons why Edge touched the ball that much is because they controlled the game against San Fran. Arizona will not be able to do that with most other teams. Last year Arizona only won 5 games, and that is an example of exactly how they won't contorl the game as much as they did with San Fran. I think you are fooling yourself in establishing the San Fran game as the nrom of how many touches Edge will see each game.

This week, Seattle has a MUCH better offense and defense than Arizona, and they are playing at the loud Qwest Field. Altough benching Edge is hard to do, I think he is a bad play this week, based on what I saw from the Zona game and with the matchup this week.

 

[Hellfire Snail]

rudi johnson and tiki barber are also must starts every week.

Agreed. Rudi and Tiki, plus the big three, are the only "studs" right now. Jackson, Brown, Portis (if healthy) and Parker (!), in that order, are vying for the status with a few more strong showings.

 

[BassNBrew]

Add Lewis and Taylor to that list. Bench Caddy at your own peril.

 

[semaj33]

"I will be benching Lamont Jordan for the foreseeable future. At least until he shows something. He was my first rounder, but week one was pitiful."

I specifically got on to add that very thought...lamont is benched until he proves me otherwise....

aaron "martin laurence in a raider jersey" brooks is dreadful. I could sit back there and do what he does for a lot less money....in fact let the raiders know, I would do that $100,000.00 a year...and save them on cap space...I will buy my own health insurance.

 

[ren hoek]

As I grudgingly bench Edge this week and start Julius Jones and Tatum Bell, it suddenly occurs to me: I'm benching the first pick I made in a 14-team draft. I'm benching a "stud." First-rounders are studs, right?

I will be benching Lamont Jordan for the foreseeable future. At least until he shows something. He was my first rounder, but week one was pitiful.

I'm in the same boat. And by "show me something," I mean just about anything!!Add in the fact that my second round pick was Steve Smith, and I'm in a bit of a hole currently...

Damn, I am in exactly the same boat.edit: I mean I ended up with both LaMont and Smith too.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

Edge is not a sexy play by an means, but he should be started none the less.

I have posted something similiar to this before. Edge is probably going to have the same type of year Jordan had last year. He is not going to have those big weeks that he had in Indy but he will be servicable and should be started weekly. Also, just like Jordan last year he will have a lower YPC but he will make up for it with catches and he will get TD's.

Positives: the guy touched the ball 29 times in his first ever game with his new team. He is for sure the teams goaline back. Also, Arizona will be able to move the ball on offense even with a sub par rushing attack becuse of their ability to throw the ball. This will enable Edge to get red zone touches and score fantasy points. Arizona is going to use this guy a ton and he will be in the 1300-1600 yards combined range with close to double digit TD's. Arizona also has a coach who wants to run the ball and brought James in who is a proven guy to get touches. They have a veteran QB in Warner who will use James in the passing game. James caught 3 passes in his first game which puts him on pace for 48 and I am sure he will finish above 50.

Negatives: The o-line is terrible which will definitely hurt his YPC but he should be able to make up for it with plenty of touches on the ground and through the air.

To many people are down on James who did have a low ypc but he had 90 yards and a TD in his first ever game with his new team. Although not a sexy play, James should be in line ups.

Playing against San Fran and against Seattle are two different things. One of the reasons why Edge touched the ball that much is because they controlled the game against San Fran. Arizona will not be able to do that with most other teams. Last year Arizona only won 5 games, and that is an example of exactly how they won't contorl the game as much as they did with San Fran. I think you are fooling yourself in establishing the San Fran game as the nrom of how many touches Edge will see each game.

This week, Seattle has a MUCH better offense and defense than Arizona, and they are playing at the loud Qwest Field. Altough benching Edge is hard to do, I think he is a bad play this week, based on what I saw from the Zona game and with the matchup this week.

I agree with you that San Fran is no Seattle however Edge will yards this week. K. Jones put up 80 combined yards this past weekend on Seattle so 100 with a TD is not really expecting unrealistic numbers from James.This is the problem many people seem to be having with James. They are underestimating Edge because of a low ypc. I feel though he will more then likely put up at least 100 combined yards every single week and score TD's every other week with those yards; therefore it makes him a start every week guy regardless of match up.

 

[mojorizin]

Edge is not a sexy play by an means, but he should be started none the less.

I have posted something similiar to this before. Edge is probably going to have the same type of year Jordan had last year. He is not going to have those big weeks that he had in Indy but he will be servicable and should be started weekly. Also, just like Jordan last year he will have a lower YPC but he will make up for it with catches and he will get TD's.

Positives: the guy touched the ball 29 times in his first ever game with his new team. He is for sure the teams goaline back. Also, Arizona will be able to move the ball on offense even with a sub par rushing attack becuse of their ability to throw the ball. This will enable Edge to get red zone touches and score fantasy points. Arizona is going to use this guy a ton and he will be in the 1300-1600 yards combined range with close to double digit TD's. Arizona also has a coach who wants to run the ball and brought James in who is a proven guy to get touches. They have a veteran QB in Warner who will use James in the passing game. James caught 3 passes in his first game which puts him on pace for 48 and I am sure he will finish above 50.

Negatives: The o-line is terrible which will definitely hurt his YPC but he should be able to make up for it with plenty of touches on the ground and through the air.

To many people are down on James who did have a low ypc but he had 90 yards and a TD in his first ever game with his new team. Although not a sexy play, James should be in line ups.

Playing against San Fran and against Seattle are two different things. One of the reasons why Edge touched the ball that much is because they controlled the game against San Fran. Arizona will not be able to do that with most other teams. Last year Arizona only won 5 games, and that is an example of exactly how they won't contorl the game as much as they did with San Fran. I think you are fooling yourself in establishing the San Fran game as the nrom of how many touches Edge will see each game.

This week, Seattle has a MUCH better offense and defense than Arizona, and they are playing at the loud Qwest Field. Altough benching Edge is hard to do, I think he is a bad play this week, based on what I saw from the Zona game and with the matchup this week.

I agree with you that San Fran is no Seattle however Edge will yards this week. K. Jones put up 80 combined yards this past weekend on Seattle so 100 with a TD is not really expecting unrealistic numbers from James.This is the problem many people seem to be having with James. They are underestimating Edge because of a low ypc. I feel though he will more then likely put up at least 100 combined yards every single week and score TD's every other week with those yards; therefore it makes him a start every week guy regardless of match up.

I can see him scoring even more TDs the way this team is capable of moving the ball. He's going to see quite a few series each game in the red zone. I dont have Edge on any team, but I'm feeling pretty good about him going forward.

 

[Deadzone21]

I benched my 1st round pick, S.Jax, for F.Gore (3.09) in week 1.

I won by 1 point.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

I benched my 1st round pick, S.Jax, for F.Gore (3.09) in week 1. I won by 1 point.

Okay, that's ballsy.

 

[Wingnut]

I benched my 1st round pick, S.Jax, for F.Gore (3.09) in week 1.

I won by 1 point.

Okay, that's ballsy crazy.

fixedCrazy.....LIKE A FOX!!!

 

[Val Rannous]

Is Westbrook benchable?

 

[Cowboys#1]

Is Westbrook benchable?

PPR? noRegular? yes

 

[The_Man]

I'm wondering if Frank Gore is unbenchable right now. Even with Larry Allen out -- he's almost a lock for 30 touches.

 

[Family Matters]

As I grudgingly bench Edge this week and start Julius Jones and Tatum Bell, it suddenly occurs to me: I'm benching the first pick I made in a 14-team draft. I'm benching a "stud." First-rounders are studs, right?

Not sure but I might be in the minority on this one. I do not feel Edge is a stud in AZ. AZ is a pass first team that is not passionate about running the ball. I realize he had about 26 carries but his YPC of 2.6 or whatever is no better than the other backs they've had there. And this is against a 49er D that is average at best against the run and unable to stop the pass.So for those that thought Edge would be anywhere near as productive as he was in Indy, I think that's where it breaks down. I love Edge and realize he's one of the best backs in the NFL. But he was brought in to do 2 things for Green's offense:1. Pass protect. Keeping Warer healthy is crucial if this offense is to have any success.2. Give D's a reason to think about trying to stop the run. Again the hope is that they bring the safety up so they can pass more effectively.Truth is that D's will likely realize that AZ isn't willing to run block and therefore they can forcus more on pass D if they so choose. They will come to understnad that AZ isn't much of threat to run on them consistently for anything meaningful. They will have to respect Edge but not the AZ run game. The best you can hope for is that AZ makes plays that take them to the goalline and allow Edge to punch it in. If he gets more than 8 TH's it will be a success for them. But that may not pan out for FF'ers.So when you say bench a stud, I do not feel Edge is the stud he was because AZ is not a good system for RB's. In fact look at how well Thomas Jones has done since leaving. Even Pittman runs better in TB and he's just a backup. So I am not surpirsed you are benching Edge for Jones. As long as Jones is healthy he will likely be a solid play.

 

[The Jacket]

It's always all about the opposition, imo.

Gore's against the Rams -- you start him.

James' against the 'Hawks -- you bench him (unless you have no depth at all).

 

[bakes]

In PPR leagues, I don't think it's wise to bench Reggie Bush. Guy's lining up as a wideout/slot receiver in addition to the backfield. Even if he doesn't score he'll gut you 6 or more receptions - that's a touchdown's worth of points in the league I'm in.

 

[Keys Myaths]

Steven Jackson might very well be unbenchable.

 

[David Yudkin]

A lot will depend on the size of the league. I am in several large leagues (16 teams) and others that you can start 3-4 RB. In these style leagues, you don't really have the option of sitting Edge for someone else. If you do have alternates, they will likely be RBBC guys, and I can't see benching a guy that will see the ball 25 times or more for someone that might get 10-15 touches.

 

[(HULK)]

See my sig.

 

[cgcloutier]

I have 3 studs right now in a PPR league. Westbrook, Parker and Gore. Westbrook is a lock, however even though Parker will get his 25+ touches I think Gore against STL will have 20+ with a big role in the passing game. Right now I have Gore & Westy in the line-up. Parker against Jacksonville last year didn't do much and was held under a 100yds with no TD and no receiving yards.

What do you guys you think?

 

[BigTex]

Is Westbrook benchable?

I have Westbrook in a non ppr, last week he scored 19pts ranking him #3. Even in a non ppr he's still one of the best (when healthy). There's this preception that his only quality in in ppr leagues this thinking is false. I usually rotate him in my flex (RB/WR) along with Rudi as my other flex.:twocents:

 

[fridayfrenzy]

I have 3 studs right now in a PPR league. Westbrook, Parker and Gore. Westbrook is a lock, however even though Parker will get his 25+ touches I think Gore against STL will have 20+ with a big role in the passing game. Right now I have Gore & Westy in the line-up. Parker against Jacksonville last year didn't do much and was held under a 100yds with no TD and no receiving yards.

What do you guys you think?

I think that Westbrook, Parker and Gore are not considered "Studs"Studs are #1 RBs who were drafted in the first round. RBs like Tomlinson, Johnson, Alexander, Barber, Portis, etc. Westy, FWP and Gore are not studs.

 

[JayMan]

As I grudgingly bench Edge this week and start Julius Jones and Tatum Bell, it suddenly occurs to me: I'm benching the first pick I made in a 14-team draft. I'm benching a "stud." First-rounders are studs, right?

Not sure but I might be in the minority on this one. I do not feel Edge is a stud in AZ. AZ is a pass first team that is not passionate about running the ball. I realize he had about 26 carries but his YPC of 2.6 or whatever is no better than the other backs they've had there. And this is against a 49er D that is average at best against the run and unable to stop the pass.So for those that thought Edge would be anywhere near as productive as he was in Indy, I think that's where it breaks down. I love Edge and realize he's one of the best backs in the NFL. But he was brought in to do 2 things for Green's offense:1. Pass protect. Keeping Warer healthy is crucial if this offense is to have any success.2. Give D's a reason to think about trying to stop the run. Again the hope is that they bring the safety up so they can pass more effectively.Truth is that D's will likely realize that AZ isn't willing to run block and therefore they can forcus more on pass D if they so choose. They will come to understnad that AZ isn't much of threat to run on them consistently for anything meaningful. They will have to respect Edge but not the AZ run game. The best you can hope for is that AZ makes plays that take them to the goalline and allow Edge to punch it in. If he gets more than 8 TH's it will be a success for them. But that may not pan out for FF'ers.So when you say bench a stud, I do not feel Edge is the stud he was because AZ is not a good system for RB's. In fact look at how well Thomas Jones has done since leaving. Even Pittman runs better in TB and he's just a backup. So I am not surpirsed you are benching Edge for Jones. As long as Jones is healthy he will likely be a solid play.

I understand your point and agree... to a certain degree...The 2 points that you make about Edge being brought to Zona are dead on... Edge is one of the best pass protection RB in the league, just ask Peyton... and he's a "bigger" threat than Zona had in the past - the opposing Def coordinator has to think twice about keeping the safety downfield to help cover the WRs...But when you say that the opposing Def will realize that Zona is not able to run block (which is certainly true) - this will result in the opposing Def letting only 7 guys in the box (since they need to cover Fitz / Boldin / Johnson or Pope on every play) hoping that their DL/LBs can stop the run... and this is where I think Edge can be dangerous - if not with runs, with screen passes / dumpoffs / checkdown...---Over his career - when healthy - Edge averaged 21.2 carries and 3.5 receptions per game... Let's suppose those numbers go down a bit in Zona (i.e. more passes to the WRs / less offensive plays / etc.)... so that Edge is limited to 18 carries and 3 receptions (I don't thnk the reception count will go down much - if not at all)...Let's use Zona YPC average of last year (which was already the last in the NFL) of 3.16 ypc (1138/360) - this extrapolate to 910 yards rushing - 55 receptions - 440 yards in reception...As for TDs, as a median - let's suppose he scores 6 TDs... I would guess he doesn't score many from the 8yard line... but he should get a few from the 1yard line (just think of the holding / pass interference on the WRs in the end zone)...910/48/385/6... ---I still think that he's money in the bank (assuming you have to start 2RBs!) - simply because he doesn't have to gain 120 yards on the ground to be at least a RB2 (12 teams league) week-in / week-out:1. At the beginning of each game - they will try to establish the run (similar to 30 of the 32 teams in the NFL);Later on;2. if Zona gets ahead - they use him to run out the clock... without the Def being able to bring 9 in the box;3. if Zona is behind - he stays on the field at all time (since he's the best pass blocker) and gets a few screen / dumps / checkdown touches where he can gain alot of yards... My 2 cents...

 

[cgcloutier]

I have 3 studs right now in a PPR league. Westbrook, Parker and Gore. Westbrook is a lock, however even though Parker will get his 25+ touches I think Gore against STL will have 20+ with a big role in the passing game. Right now I have Gore & Westy in the line-up. Parker against Jacksonville last year didn't do much and was held under a 100yds with no TD and no receiving yards.

What do you guys you think?

I think that Westbrook, Parker and Gore are not considered "Studs"Studs are #1 RBs who were drafted in the first round. RBs like Tomlinson, Johnson, Alexander, Barber, Portis, etc. Westy, FWP and Gore are not studs.

I had the 10th pick in 12 team league and took Westbrook #1 and then Parker at #2. When Westbrook was healthy last year he was a top 5 back in my PPR league. He still ended up finishing 10th. How can you not consider him a stud, he absolutely is when healthy. He is worth the risk. Parker is well on his way to being a stud and will be this year. With the way Gore finished last season, and has begun this season he is also on his way.

 

[LordHusker]

A lot will depend on the size of the league. I am in several large leagues (16 teams) and others that you can start 3-4 RB. In these style leagues, you don't really have the option of sitting Edge for someone else. If you do have alternates, they will likely be RBBC guys, and I can't see benching a guy that will see the ball 25 times or more for someone that might get 10-15 touches.

Yeah, I know, I know. I may wimp out and put Edge back in and bench Tatum. Something tells me, though, that Tatum is going to put up nice fantasy numbers this week. Maybe I'll just bench Julius. In fact, that's probably what I'll end up doing. Julius killed me last year. He has to WORK to make my starting lineup.

 

[Chumpson]

A lot of these guys aren't "studs", but should be started each week reguardless. If you have someone better than those guys then, you must be weak at WR or QB and should look to trade. I can't really imagine not starting the likes of Parker, Westbrook, Dunn type of player right now unless they are truly my #3 RB even though they aren't "Studs".

 

[j3r3m3y]

I have 3 studs right now in a PPR league. Westbrook, Parker and Gore. Westbrook is a lock, however even though Parker will get his 25+ touches I think Gore against STL will have 20+ with a big role in the passing game. Right now I have Gore & Westy in the line-up. Parker against Jacksonville last year didn't do much and was held under a 100yds with no TD and no receiving yards.What do you guys you think?

I think it is interesting that you would even consider calling Gore a "stud".

 

[j3r3m3y]

I have 3 studs right now in a PPR league. Westbrook, Parker and Gore. Westbrook is a lock, however even though Parker will get his 25+ touches I think Gore against STL will have 20+ with a big role in the passing game. Right now I have Gore & Westy in the line-up. Parker against Jacksonville last year didn't do much and was held under a 100yds with no TD and no receiving yards.

What do you guys you think?

I think that Westbrook, Parker and Gore are not considered "Studs"Studs are #1 RBs who were drafted in the first round. RBs like Tomlinson, Johnson, Alexander, Barber, Portis, etc. Westy, FWP and Gore are not studs.

I had the 10th pick in 12 team league and took Westbrook #1 and then Parker at #2. When Westbrook was healthy last year he was a top 5 back in my PPR league. He still ended up finishing 10th. How can you not consider him a stud, he absolutely is when healthy. He is worth the risk. Parker is well on his way to being a stud and will be this year. With the way Gore finished last season, and has begun this season he is also on his way.

There is a difference between "on his way" and being a stud. Gore and Parker might find themselves there, but are not yet.I am "on my way" to winning the lotto, but until those numbers come up I dont refer to myself as a millionare.

 

[cr8f]

rudi johnson and tiki barber are also must starts every week.

In a PPR league Rudi is less of a must start. I believe I am starting Bush and SJax this week due to matchups. I wouldn't consider tht with Tiki and I love Rudi.

 

[mojorizin]

Steven Jackson might very well be unbenchable.

We may find that to be the case if the defense continues to play well. Would be nice to see the kid get 20+ carries a game with the Rams not down by 21 at half.

 

[Family Matters]

As I grudgingly bench Edge this week and start Julius Jones and Tatum Bell, it suddenly occurs to me: I'm benching the first pick I made in a 14-team draft. I'm benching a "stud." First-rounders are studs, right?

Not sure but I might be in the minority on this one. I do not feel Edge is a stud in AZ. AZ is a pass first team that is not passionate about running the ball. I realize he had about 26 carries but his YPC of 2.6 or whatever is no better than the other backs they've had there. And this is against a 49er D that is average at best against the run and unable to stop the pass.So for those that thought Edge would be anywhere near as productive as he was in Indy, I think that's where it breaks down. I love Edge and realize he's one of the best backs in the NFL. But he was brought in to do 2 things for Green's offense:1. Pass protect. Keeping Warer healthy is crucial if this offense is to have any success.2. Give D's a reason to think about trying to stop the run. Again the hope is that they bring the safety up so they can pass more effectively.Truth is that D's will likely realize that AZ isn't willing to run block and therefore they can forcus more on pass D if they so choose. They will come to understnad that AZ isn't much of threat to run on them consistently for anything meaningful. They will have to respect Edge but not the AZ run game. The best you can hope for is that AZ makes plays that take them to the goalline and allow Edge to punch it in. If he gets more than 8 TH's it will be a success for them. But that may not pan out for FF'ers.So when you say bench a stud, I do not feel Edge is the stud he was because AZ is not a good system for RB's. In fact look at how well Thomas Jones has done since leaving. Even Pittman runs better in TB and he's just a backup. So I am not surpirsed you are benching Edge for Jones. As long as Jones is healthy he will likely be a solid play.

I understand your point and agree... to a certain degree...The 2 points that you make about Edge being brought to Zona are dead on... Edge is one of the best pass protection RB in the league, just ask Peyton... and he's a "bigger" threat than Zona had in the past - the opposing Def coordinator has to think twice about keeping the safety downfield to help cover the WRs...But when you say that the opposing Def will realize that Zona is not able to run block (which is certainly true) - this will result in the opposing Def letting only 7 guys in the box (since they need to cover Fitz / Boldin / Johnson or Pope on every play) hoping that their DL/LBs can stop the run... and this is where I think Edge can be dangerous - if not with runs, with screen passes / dumpoffs / checkdown...---Over his career - when healthy - Edge averaged 21.2 carries and 3.5 receptions per game... Let's suppose those numbers go down a bit in Zona (i.e. more passes to the WRs / less offensive plays / etc.)... so that Edge is limited to 18 carries and 3 receptions (I don't thnk the reception count will go down much - if not at all)...Let's use Zona YPC average of last year (which was already the last in the NFL) of 3.16 ypc (1138/360) - this extrapolate to 910 yards rushing - 55 receptions - 440 yards in reception...As for TDs, as a median - let's suppose he scores 6 TDs... I would guess he doesn't score many from the 8yard line... but he should get a few from the 1yard line (just think of the holding / pass interference on the WRs in the end zone)...910/48/385/6... ---I still think that he's money in the bank (assuming you have to start 2RBs!) - simply because he doesn't have to gain 120 yards on the ground to be at least a RB2 (12 teams league) week-in / week-out:1. At the beginning of each game - they will try to establish the run (similar to 30 of the 32 teams in the NFL);Later on;2. if Zona gets ahead - they use him to run out the clock... without the Def being able to bring 9 in the box;3. if Zona is behind - he stays on the field at all time (since he's the best pass blocker) and gets a few screen / dumps / checkdown touches where he can gain alot of yards... My 2 cents...

That's a solid post JayMan and I agree with you. The key thing here is if you do start 2 RB's. But I think the original poster was suggesting you bench him in fasvor of another good back. IOW-he isn't top shelve stud RB anymore.I still feel he's a stud but you likely won't see it much in AZ except under certain cicumstances.

 

[JayMan]

That's a solid post JayMan and I agree with you. The key thing here is if you do start 2 RB's. But I think the original poster was suggesting you bench him in fasvor of another good back. IOW-he isn't top shelve stud RB anymore.I still feel he's a stud but you likely won't see it much in AZ except under certain cicumstances.

I agree completely with your assesment FM... and when typing my response, I was drawn to the conclusion that he's money in the bank for 2RBs league... but maybe not if you start only 1RB (12 teams league) or if you have a Flex Spot after your RB1... Starting Edge over CBrown is a no-brainer / maybe not so when talking about Kevin Jones or Chester Taylor...I'm not blown away by someone starting JJ against the worst run D in the league instead of Edge against a tough opponent... but that would assume that you only start 1 RB or play in a 8-teams league or drugged all the other owners at your draft...